June 27, 2022 (Surrey, BC) – Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is proud to announce that the Board of Directors has proclaimed the week of June 27-July 1 as "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Week."
To celebrate, a few MNBC staff members have provided in their own words, why equity, diversity, and inclusion are important:
"Looking through the lens of the Indigenous worldview we see the whole person -physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual; all interconnected to the land and in relationship to others, family, communities, nations and yes, even the workplace. This is our way Métis kinship way of life. It is important for us to acknowledge and respect each others' perspectives — our ways of seeing the world — and to find that place where we can all meet, grow and learn. As for myself, this is a second time coming out of my cozy retirement cocoon – from the creative arts sector back into a regular office type work environment. Yikes! - Confident in my skills, work history and lived Métis cultural experience I must have something to offer, so I figured what the heck – trust God and go for it. Yet, this gal was a wee bit apprehensive about squeezing into “workplace casual” pink hair and all stepping into this new unfamiliar territory. Yet to discover the environment fit - like slipping on a pair of my favorite moccasins – familiar, warm, and grounded in heritage – I was going to be just fine. If the Indigenous culture and world view of kindness, acceptance, equity, diversity, and inclusion were not reflective in the norms and values of MNBC I could be discriminated against on many levels - I would not fit in - nor would I (and possibly others) care to continue working here."
"REPRESENTATION MATTERS! For far too long, too many people have not seen them selves reflected in all areas of their lives. We need to be able to see people who live like us, visibly look like us and identify the same as us in a positive space. Helping us feel capable an confident in all that we do. As the parent of a non-binary child I have come to realize just how important equity, diversity and inclusion can affect a human and feel really blessed to be working in a space where conversations such as these are happening regularly."
"My personal view on equity, diversity and inclusion is that the colleagues I work with, the programs we develop and the communities we serve are always an intricate and integral part of my life. Being equitable in understanding the unique needs of all these stakeholders is what helps me to meet them at the point of realistic need, and to allot resources: be it time, money, self care etc to place the resource exactly in the right amount where its needed. Being welcoming to diversity helps to promote a very strong work environment. The fact that I have never experienced it before or even heard of it before does not mean the next person its wrong. It sounds new and comes from a place or someone from a different culture. My first instinct is, how does it apply to our current state? Encouraging and welcoming such diversity is the backbone of growth.. In my view, an inclusive and diverse workplace is always abounded with energy and ideas that propel growth."
"Equity, Diversity and Inclusion allow us to honor and respect each other, feeling valued for our unique and individual strengths and gifts. Embracing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion provides us with the opportunity to work together in a way that capitalizes each person’s unique strengths and abilities which results in a much stronger, holistic and balanced result. Through respecting and enjoying our differences we can learn from one another. We can freely acknowledge that while one domain might not be a strength or interest to us, it may be to another team member and together we can create something wonderful."
"Equity gives individuals the supports necessary to achieve their highest potential. A diverse & inclusive workplace helps promote creativity and innovation. Fostering a sense of belonging that drives positive outcome. In my opinion this is essential for the emotional wellbeing of all."